Annie Haslam - Woman Transcending (2006)

The former lead singer of the English classical rock band Renaissance has lovingly compiled 16 powerful recordings by some of the world’s most talented songwriters and musicians – from Mike Rutherford (Genesis, Mike + the Mechanics), Steve Howe (Yes, Asia), Barry Gibb (Bee Gees) to producer Tony Visconti (David Bowie), and the London Symphony Orchestra. Together, they take listeners on Annie's uniquely personal journey through her intertwining words of music and, most recently, painting.

Annie's clear, high-flying soprano vocals are embraced in various styles and settings on this collection of rare recordings from the '70s, '80s and '90s. Woman Transcending, newly available on White Dove Records at www.anniehaslam.com, revisits Annie's Nashville country sessions with members of the Carl Perkins' Family; her interpretation of the Bee Gees rarity 'My Eternal Love' under Tony Visconti’s supervision, and her futuristic experimentation with the London Symphony Orchestra, among other extraordinarily eclectic chapters. Many of the styles Annie surveys are unexpected, but her sheer delight in exploring them is consistently evident. Other notable contributions come from the likes of Raphael Rudd, Raff Ravenscroft (sax player from Gerry Rafferty's hit single "Baker Street"), David Biglin, Warwick Embury, B.A. Robertson, Mike Read, Rod Edwards, Neale Heywood, Kit Hain, Ward Parks, Bob Brown and Annie's late brother Michael Haslam (once managed by Beatles manager Brian Epstein). And of course, Annie's solo band members: Rave Tesar, Mark Lambert, Dave Keyes, Joe Goldberger and producer Larry Fast.

"I'm extremely excited for people to hear these songs," says Annie. "I've been very fortunate to have worked with such wonderful and talented musicians over and above my experiences with Renaissance. It's been a wild ride, indeed. Getting all the elements together was additionally emotional, because several of the people involved have been lost to us in recent years. This CD is a tribute to them."

The cover art of Woman Transcending brings the project full circle, as it is exemplifies her most recent career concentration as a noted 'Dream Expressionist' oil painter. The image is Annie's own meaningful rendition of Leonardo da Vinci, coincidentally known as 'The Renaissance Man' and also, like Annie, a singer and vegetarian. Giclee copies of the painting on canvas and Archival paper also are available through www.anniehaslam.com.

"There were no second thoughts when I was deciding what artwork to use for this project," says Annie. "This, too, felt just right."

Track Listings

1. Circular Motion

2. Parachute to You

3. Echo

4. You Don't Know a Good Thing

5. Communication

6. Beyond the Blue

7. One Last Time

8. Somewhere Out There [Rough Mix] [Version]

9. So Sad [Rough Mix] [Version]

10. Hunter Trials

11. Lily's In The Field

12. Willow Song

13. My Eternal Love [Rough Mix] [Version]

14. Decisions [Rough Mix] [Version]

15. Shadows [Rough Mix] [Version]

16. Reaching Out

>here<